Fundraising and Development Lead in London

Fundraising and Development Lead in London

London Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead fundraising efforts to secure significant grants and develop impactful proposals.
  • Company: Join an international charity making a real difference in communities worldwide.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team creating meaningful change across diverse cultures.
  • Qualifications: Experience in fundraising with strong proposal writing and relationship-building skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Merrifield Consultants is delighted to be partnering with an international charity to recruit a Fundraising and Development Lead. Working through a worldwide community of members and partners, the charity brings organisations together to improve outcomes for people and communities. Its work has a broad international reach and offers the successful candidate the chance to support meaningful change across different countries and contexts.

This is a hands-on fundraising role with trusts, foundations and institutional funders at its heart. You will identify strong prospects, develop relationships and turn opportunities into well-researched proposals and realistic budgets. With considerable scope to build the pipeline, the role will suit someone who enjoys creating momentum and taking ownership from early research through to submission and stewardship. Alongside securing income for the charity, you will explore opportunities that could benefit its members and help strengthen its wider offer. There will also be scope to support the development of corporate partnerships and other income streams over time.

Key responsibilities

  • Build the funding pipeline: Research and prioritise trusts, foundations and institutional donors with the potential to make significant, six-figure grants.
  • Secure new income: Develop persuasive proposals, applications and budgets that connect funder priorities with the charity's work.
  • Strengthen relationships: Cultivate funders and partners, manage ongoing communication and provide thoughtful stewardship.
  • Shape the approach: Work with the Head of Growth and Development to refine fundraising priorities and build a focused, achievable strategy.
  • Bring teams together: Collaborate with programme, finance and senior colleagues to develop strong funding cases, accurate reporting and clear donor communications.

About you

You will bring substantial experience of trusts, foundations or institutional fundraising, with evidence of securing significant grants and developing relationships with funders. You will be:

  • A strong proposal writer who can combine clear narrative, evidence and financial information.
  • Commercially aware, with the research skills and persistence to develop a new business pipeline.
  • Strategic in your thinking and comfortable remaining closely involved in delivery, administration and reporting.
  • Confident working independently within a remote and internationally distributed organisation.
  • Collaborative, positive and open to feedback, with the judgement to work effectively across different cultures and perspectives.

Experience within an international charity, advocacy organisation, foundation or related setting would be useful. Additional languages would also be welcomed. Candidates must have the right to work in their country of residence. Some international travel may be required.

To apply, please contact Merrifield Consultants. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.

Fundraising and Development Lead in London employer: Merrifield Consultants Careers

BookTrust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on children's lives through reading. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive benefits such as flexible working arrangements and generous annual leave. Join us in our London office and travel across the South of England to lead strategic partnerships that empower families and communities, while enjoying a fulfilling career in the charitable sector.

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Contact Details:

Merrifield Consultants Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Fundraising and Development Lead in London

✨Get Involved with Local Charities

Dive into the local fundraising scene in your area! Volunteer for events or get involved with committees at organisations you admire. Not only will you gain experience, but you'll also make connections that could lead to that coveted full-time role at places like Merrifield Consultants Careers.

✨Network through Fundraising Events

Attend fundraising galas, charity auctions, and networking events. These gatherings are perfect for meeting industry professionals and perhaps even landing an interview on the spot. Plus, if you mention how you love the mission of Merrifield Consultants Careers, you’ll definitely make an impression!

✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections

Don’t just sit back; actively connect with fundraisers on LinkedIn! Join groups related to fundraising development and share your insights or experiences, which can position you as a knowledgeable candidate for full-time roles. This is a platform where visibility really counts in our industry.

✨Showcase Your Passion through Content

Consider writing articles or creating posts about fundraising strategies, non-profit success stories, or your experiences in the field. Sharing this content can help establish your expertise and draw attention to yourself for full-time positions like that at Merrifield Consultants Careers. It’s all about being visible and passionate!

We think you need these skills to ace Fundraising and Development Lead in London

Fundraising
Proposal Writing
Relationship Management
Research Skills
Strategic Thinking
Budget Development
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the world of fundraising, we want to see your genuine enthusiasm for the mission that Merrifield Consultants Careers supports. Be sure to weave in your personal connection to the cause in your cover letter. This isn't just a job for us; it's about making a difference, so let your passion shine through!

Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on any past experience related to fundraising, community engagement, or donor relations. If you've organised events or developed marketing materials for a charity, make sure we see it front and centre. Quantify your achievements where possible—donor retention rates or funds raised can make a huge impact!

Use Engaging Language:When crafting your application, use engaging language that reflects the tone and values of Merrifield Consultants Careers. We're looking for enthusiasm and creativity in how you present your experience. This is especially key in fundraising, where storytelling can connect potential donors with our mission.

Tailor Your Application:One size does not fit all! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for the Fundraising and Development Lead role at Merrifield Consultants Careers. Research us to understand our specific initiatives and align your skills with our goals. A personalised approach shows that you’re genuinely interested and willing to put in the effort—qualities we absolutely love!

How to prepare for a job interview at Merrifield Consultants Careers

✨Display Your Passion for the Cause

Let’s face it, fundraising is all about passion! Show up to your interview with genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Merrifield Consultants Careers. Share specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to similar causes, and don't shy away from discussing why this role and this organisation matter to you.

✨Know Your Fundraising Strategies

Brush up on different fundraising strategies and tools that are common in the industry, such as grant writing, event planning, or online campaigns. Be prepared to discuss which methods you've used successfully before and how they could translate to your work at Merrifield Consultants Careers.

✨Be Ready for Scenarios and Challenges

Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll have to talk about how you’d tackle potential challenges in fundraising. Whether it’s overcoming donor objections or streamlining donor processes, think about examples from your past that showcase your problem-solving skills.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Network Building

Fundraising is rarely a solo effort; collaborative skills are key! Talk about how you've worked with different teams to achieve fundraising goals, and mention any networks you have that could be beneficial for Merrifield Consultants Careers. This shows you're not only a lone wolf but a team player with valuable connections.